Legal
News and insight on the services provided by law firms for hotels and resorts and their role in transactions, contracts, human resources and other issues.
Different Ways to Restructure a Hotel Loan
After four years of negative and negligible growth, the U.S. economy is finally showing signs of recovery. Despite this, global events including financial challenges throughout Europe and political turmoil in the Middle East may contribute to tipping our economy back into a recession. ...
Vendor News March 15, 2012
Roundup of vendor news and notes....
Vendor News Jan. 15, 2012
Roundup of hotel vendor news and notes....
Insurance Advice: Be Prepared and Act Quickly After Disaster
Hurricane Irene wreaked $7 to $10 billion in damages and was reported to be one of the 10 costliest catastrophes in U.S. history. Many hotels will recoup business revenue lost due to wind damage, flooding and apprehensive travelers because they’re well insured. Others may find their coverage is minimally to totally inadequate. Whether it’s Irene’s wrath, last month’s East Coast earthquake or another natural disaster, those affected should be talking to their insurance company now, says attorney David Killalea. ...
Despite Distressed Properties, O’Hare Hotel Market Sees Signs of Life
Operating performance is up and there’s hope for the future, but some hotels in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport market still struggle with lingering financial problems. Several properties closed and several more have new owners or will soon:...
Suit Charges City Wants to ‘Eradicate’ Unwanted Hotels
A legal battle brewing in suburban Dallas could have significant property-rights implications for hoteliers across the nation. Owners of two InTown Suites extended-stay properties in Carrollton, TX recently sued the city, claiming it improperly revoked their lodging licenses based on a law they call “capricious and arbitrary.”...
Defenses Against Bed Bugs and Lawsuits
Running any hotel has more than its share of potential lawsuits that can emerge for any number of reasons, whether a guest falling on a wet floor, employees suing for union-related issues, and sometimes, plaintiff claims that defy the imagination. Surprisingly, in today’s environment, one of the most critical legal developments is the onslaught of bed bug infestations and the havoc ...
An Owner’s Guide to the Chaotic World of Hotel Loan Restructuring
The following is intended as a practical guide to owners considering whether and how to restructure a hotel property that can’t support or refinance its current debt....
Trophy Hotel Assets Appealing to Asian Investors
Lynn Cadwalader, the lawyer who worked with Chinese real estate firm Shenzhen New World Group on its January acquisition of the Sheraton Universal Hotel and last year’s purchase of the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown, says her client and other Asian investors are looking to buy trophy hotel assets in the U.S....
Things to Know Before Starting Construction
In today’s soft market, hotel owners may cut corners to stay financially healthy. But trimming costs comes with risk and must be done carefully. When choosing a contractor, price, instead of professionalism, is often the deciding factor. ...
Tax Credits Fuel Philly Homewood Suites Project
When the Homewood Suites University City broke ground in December, it was a first to many people for many reasons. For the developer, Campus Apartments, it marks the company’s first hotel project. For the City of Philadelphia, it is the first recipient of an EnergyWorks loan ...
Super Bowl XLV Hoteliers: Beware of Sporting Woman
According to the Dallas Morning News, a Dallas police officer told the National Prostitute Diversion Conference to brace for some 50,000 to 100,000 “hookers traveling to the region for the Super Bowl.” Confidential sources also told the paper in excess of 50,000 hookers attended the NBA All-Star Game, which was held in Dallas last year. In 2008, CBS news reported the Super Bowl in Phoenix attracted “circuit girls,” girls who ...
Hilton’s Hands Get Slapped in Starwood Settlement
As many analysts believed, Starwood’s sensational lawsuit against Hilton Hotels won’t make it to a courtroom. In a decision filed in federal court yesterday, the two sides agreed to a settlement of the nearly two-year-old suit in which Starwood accused Hilton of stealing trade secrets to launch the since-scuttled Denizen lifestyle hotel brand....
